Scientific Name
Choeroichthys sculptus  
Pronounce  
Choeroichthys sculptus彫紋豬海龍
by: Lab of Fish Ecol. and Evo., BRCAS
Author (Günther, 1870) Depth 0 - 3M
Chinese 彫紋豬海龍 Poisonous Fish No 
Family_Chinese 海龍科 Economic Fish No 
Family F295 Syngnathidae Edible Fish No  Chinese In Mainland China 豬海龍 
Max Length 8.5 cm  Aquarium Fish Yes  Common Name 彫紋海龍、海龍 
Distribution in World India Ocean to Pacific Ocean   Distribution in Taiwan West、South、North、ShaoLiuChew、Greeb IS. 
Habitats Coral、Coastal  Holotype Locality Fiji Islands [South Pacific] 
Synonyms Doryichthys sculptus, Doryrhamphus macgregori, Microphis ocellatus   
Reference 臺灣魚類誌(沈等, 1993);Fishes of Japan(Nakabo, 2002);Fishbase(2005);The Live Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific, Vol.4(FAO,1999)  沈世傑 編 Shih-Chieh Shen ed. 1993 Nakabo T. 2002 
Specimen List ASIZP0055238. ASIZP0055693. NMMBP04050. NMMBP05474. NMMBP05481. NMMSTP00950. NTUM03806. NTUM03809. NTUM03810. NTUM03814. NTUM03821. NTUM04280.  
Common Name Sculpted pipefish; Sculptured pipefish 
Redlist Status NL Not in IUCN Redlist     
Characteristic Body typically slender and elongate, without scales, encased in a series of bony rings. Superior trunk and tail ridges continuous, inferior trunk ridge ends on anal ring, lateral trunk ridge confluent with inferior tail ridge. Median dorsal snout ridge entire, not strongly elevated; opercle with a complete median longitudinal ridge; scutella with longitudinal keels; without dermal flaps. Rings 18-21 + 21-25, darsal-fin rays 27-34, pectoral-fin rays 20-21. Blackish brown with small black spots and small white ocelli in parallel series along trunk, and some white speckles over the back. Males are characterized by vertical row of silver spots; females and juveniles with 4 dark lateral spots or blotches on each trunk ring.
habitats Inhabits intertidal reef flats. Also found in seagrass habitats to few meters depth. Males may be brooding at 4.6 cm SL. 
Distribution East Africa to the Line and Gambier Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Tonga. Throughout Micronesia. Also from the Society Islands. It is found in southern and northern Taiwanese waters, and Siao Liouciou, southwestern Taiwan. 
Utility No commercial value.